Helton's Impressive Shot

Colorado Rockies veteran slugger Todd Helton’s first homer of the 2012 season, one of his seven career walk-offs, is among the most majestic home runs that I have ever witnessed.

In terms of famous home runs, I have seen a number a highlights of classic shots that I was not able to witness in person or on television. Here are my top three such homers:

1. Kirk Gibson – 1988 World Series Game 1 walk-off

2. Carlton Fisk – 1975 World Series Game 6 walk-off

3. Joe Carter – 1993 World Series winning Game 6 walk-off

Those are all great home runs, and as a fan of the game, I understand their importance and meaning; but the fact that I did not see them at the time that they happened somewhat dampers my excitement.

Helton’s two-run walk-off blast this past weekend against the Arizona Diamondbacks was nothing short of extraordinary. The circumstances surrounding this moment did not have the makings of a dramatic home run. At the time of the at-bat, it was raining heavily. It is well chronicled that it is more difficult to hit the ball far when it is raining or humid because of the effect the damp atmosphere has on the flight of the baseball. Also, Helton’s power numbers have dipped in recent years, and he had yet to go deep this season.

Add all of that together, and you get one of the most unlikely home runs I have ever seen. I had just finished telling another Cave Dweller that there is no way Helton could yank the ball out of the park because of the incessant downpour. Then, he swung. When the ball left the bat, it looked like it would be a routine pop fly to the right fielder. But the ball just kept carrying. And carrying. And carrying!

It was the only game left to watch in the Cave that evening, and when the cameraman finally found the ball as it tucked just inside the foul poll and just over the right field wall, the Dwellers went crazy.

In terms of famous home runs that I HAVE witnessed as they happened, here are my top three:

1. David Freese – 2011 World Series Game 6 walk-off

2. Yadier Molina – 2006 NLCS Game 7

3. Todd Helton – April 14th, 2012

I understand that this home run probably won’t be the focus of any classic baseball highlight shows, but for one especially wet night in Colorado, it captured the attention and imagination of all who witnessed it.

What is the most impressive homer you’ve ever seen? Tweet me @KyleOKC.